The class of 2013 is just beginning to take shape but Middletown (Ohio) prospect Jalin Marshall has already established himself as one of the top players in Ohio for the class. The 6-foot, 195-pound athlete had a monster sophomore season for the Middies, throwing for over 600 yards and rushing for over 1,400 yards from his quarterback position. For his efforts, Marshall was a first team all-conference selection and some of the best programs in the nation are already keeping a close eye on his progress.

Even with interest from many of college football's heavy hitters, one school has always stood out to him.

"Ohio State is my favorite," he said. "I just like their tradition. I've always liked Ohio State ever since I was little."

This past fall, Marshall was able to take in three games (Miami (FL), Purdue, and Michigan) in Columbus, and came away impressed by the atmosphere for all three, particularly the big rivalry game with Michigan.

"The Michigan game was by far the best atmosphere, just because it's Michigan," he said. "The people just bleed red up there and that's one thing I like about it, they really support you."

As electric as Marshall is with the ball in his hands, it comes as no surprise that there is a lot of debate about which position he will ultimately play at the college level.

"I'll play any position that can help my team win," he explained. "I would just like to get the ball in my hands, whichever position I'm at, and try to make plays. Whatever takes me farther than college, I'll play."

Marshall's athleticism and ability to make big plays with his legs from the quarterback position have drawn some early comparisons to Ohio State signee Braxton Miller. The two squared off against each other in the first round of the playoffs this past fall, with Miller's Huber Heights Wayne team coming away with a victory.

"It was fun playing against someone with that ability and just seeing who could play better and who's team could play better," Marshall said. "Unfortunately they got the better of it but it was still a fun experience."

Being from the same part of the state and playing against each other, the two have developed a friendship over time and being the subject of so much hype and scrutiny over the years, Miller has been able to draw from his experiences and offer advice to Marshall.

"He just tells me to keep my head up pretty much and just soak it all in and enjoy (the attention) while it's there," Marshall said.

Marshall will be putting his talents on display in Columbus two months from now in two of the biggest camps in the Midwest.

"I'm going to the Elite 11 at Ohio State on May 20th and the Nike Camp the day after that at Ohio State," he said.

Marshall plans to work out mainly with the quarterbacks at the Nike Camp but said he would also like to get some reps in at wide receiver during the one-on-one portion of the event.